    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [December 23, 2004]
    [Page 3139]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Christmas 2004
    December 23, 2004

        For 2,000 years, Christmas has proclaimed a message of hope: the
    patient hope of men and women across centuries who listened to the words
    of prophets and lived in joyful expectation; the hope of Mary, who
    welcomed God's plan with great faith; and the hope of wise men, who set
    out on a long journey guided only by a slender promise traced in the
    stars. Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can be
    found in the humblest places. And it gives us hope that all the love and
    gifts that come to us in this life are the signs and symbols of an even
    greater love and gift that came on a holy night.
        The Christmas season fills our hearts with gratitude for the many
    blessings in our lives. With those blessings comes a responsibility to
    reach out to others. Many of our fellow Americans still suffer from the
    effects of illness or poverty. Others fight cruel addictions, cope with
    division in their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one.
    Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to love our
    neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By volunteering
    our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick,
    comfort those who suffer, and bring hope to those who despair.
        During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the
    men and women of our Armed Forces--especially those far from home,
    separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan,
    Iraq, and elsewhere, these courageous Americans are fighting the enemies
    of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing liberty
    to the oppressed, our troops are defending the freedom and security of
    us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices for our
    Nation, and all Americans are deeply grateful.
        Laura joins me in wishing all Americans a
    Merry Christmas.

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this message.